HCA Health Inc vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? HCA Health Inc trades at $410.01 (market cap $89.64B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $333.81 (market cap $75.01B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.62%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HCA | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $89.64B | $75.01B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $545.13 | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $361.32 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $140.18B | $90.55B |
Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 1.62% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
HCA Healthcare trades at $413.36, up 1.09% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $449.93. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $7.59 per share, beating estimates, and has shown consistent revenue growth, reaching $75.60 billion in 2025. Recent corporate actions include dividend payments of $0.78 per share, while news highlights executive appointments and ongoing legal investigations.
The stock presents a compelling investment case with attractive valuation multiples like a P/E of 13.86 and robust profitability, but faces risks from legal probes and high debt levels. Upside potential is supported by analyst optimism and solid operational cash flow, though investors should monitor expense pressures and regulatory developments.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $334.36, down 2.37% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals, including a 21.02% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.52 exceeding expectations. Recent news highlights a potential merger with Union Pacific, adding to positive sentiment amid record revenue growth.
Outlook remains favorable due to operational strength and merger prospects, but risks include high valuation (P/E 28.49) and industry headwinds like fuel costs. Analysts are mixed, with a consensus price target of $369.67, suggesting moderate upside potential from current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major North American railroad company operating one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States. The company transports a diverse range of commodities, including coal, intermodal containers, and various industrial products. NSC is a critical link in the nation's supply chain, providing efficient, long-haul transportation services to and from ports and industrial centers.
Read more on NSC →